Latino Grill

This place is a hidden gem to begin with. Around it, you have Taco Bell...Denny's, McDonald's...etc etc. But when I'd want authentic I would automatically go to don Pedro's or to the east side of charlotte. But to honest...some of the best places to eat are easily overlooked. I've been in and out of this gas station for years but finally decided to give this grill a try and it's one of the best choices I've made recently. They not only have street food (tacos, burritos etc). But they also have some of your larger meals. There were too Latino females cooking on the grill when I went and they both were very friendly indeed. This will surely be my go to spot whenever I need a taco or Latino fix. Give them a try....it's great.

Ok...I don't like to give a review based on one visit, so now that I have eaten food at Latino Grill about five or six times over the course of several months, I'm prepared to give an honest assessment. I absolutely love Mexican food, and this the only place around that serves anything remotely authentic (unless I want to drive for 15 or 20 minutes). Latino Grill is actually a small (only 5 stools) 'lunch counter' located inside a busy truck stop/gas station, and seems to do a steady business of both take-out and eat-in orders. Each time I have eaten here, it has been at lunch time, so I cannot really comment on their breakfast or dinner. As far as I can tell, they have one fairly basic menu, and based on what I have heard others ordering, all of the items are available all day long. I have eaten tacos, burritos, rice and beans, and chips, so I've had most of the 'hits' here.As per usual, here are my list of pros and cons :Pros:* The tacos are authentic, street-style, with the usual cilantro and onions. They can be ordered with other ingredients, but I like them this way. They are hot, fresh, and served with a lime wedge.*The burritos are pretty big, and definitely filling.*They offer a hot and a mild sauce, both fresh and made daily (I say this because I have seen the sauces cooking on the stove as I ate every time I've been there). The hot is really tasty, and complements everything.*The two Latina women that work there are extremely friendly and very hard-working. Cons:*Every time I have gone here, the counter and kitchen area seem to be pretty dirty, with the counter un-wiped, and pots and pans scattered all over the kitchen area. I realize that this is located in a truck stop, but that is no excuse for not keeping the eating area clean. Their health rating was in the mid-90s at my most recent visit, and I'm wondering how they managed to achieve that score with the conditions I've seen.*The seating leaves a lot to be desired. If you are sitting at either outer of the five available stools, you'll either be right at the cash register where people are constantly ordering and/or paying, or at the other end you will be right in front of the dish washing sink, and there is no guard to keep water from spraying onto you or your food as you eat (and your presence will NOT deter the women from continuing to wash dishes or pans).*In all but one of my visits, I have requested an order of chips and salsa (the first item on the menu's list of appetizers), only to be told that they didn't have the tortillas. How does a Mexican/Latin restaurant run out of tortillas, when almost every menu item uses them ? The one time I did get them, the chips had to be made fresh, with one of the women cutting corn tortillas and frying them. Either pre-make tons of chips, or remove that item from the menu, guys.*The amount of time it takes from the time you order until you get your food can be painfully long for such a limited menu. Don't expect fast-food drive through wait times if you eat here.*They accept credit/debit cards, but their machine is amazingly slow. Also, they have a sign up stating that on the weekends, they accept cash only, no cards. It doesn't explain why, and gives one the sense (even if untrue) that this is not the most legitimate of businesses.Ultimately, I have come here always hoping that the 'next time' will somehow be an improvement, but I'm afraid that just hasn't yet been the case. I guess the only reason I continue to occasionally eat here is that they are capable of serving very good, authentic tacos if I don't want to drive far. Maybe your results will vary.

My favorite spot to stop at. I love the food and their salsa Verde. I've had the lunch burrito and the street tacos. Also, they have fresh Tamales on certain days.

So hard to find Good Mexican food in NC, and had high hopes in this place. Was disappointed. 1 star for the beans and rice. 1/2 for the rice because although tasteless was fluffy. and beans, at least were not out of a can. 2nd star was on the Michiladas! Now that was GREAT! Finding it hard to believe not many places out here even know what a Michilada is. ( Clamato, lots of freshed squeezed lemon or lime, beer of choice, can add a bit of spice that is Tabasco or Tapio splash, Tajin sprinkled in the mix and limed Tajin/or plain salted rim, and a quarter lime garnish served in a tall beer mug.) Husband ordered the Chilaquiles. Bland. He ate it because he was hungry and this guy is NOT a picky eater! I ordered the Chicken n Cheese Enchilada and over easy egg on top. Enchilada, again tasteless red sauce, Chichen very dry and no seasoning at all, a sprinkle of dry mexican cheese for topping. They forgot my Egg. Tried to flag down our waitress which was huddled giggling with other waitresses who was putting on their makeup at the bar by the way... And That was another thing. Here these girls are peppy and giggling amongst themselves but when she came to our table was very dry in personality it was almost rude! Wouldn't crack a smile, never came to check on us if we were ok, had to go to them to let them know they forgot my egg and which she basically rolled her eyes at us and by the time I got the egg the rest of my food was cold. No 'thank you come again' when she dropped the check off at the table, just cold. I NEVER do this but we did not leave a tip. And actually I probably should not be giving them 2 stars. Interior was 'authentic', Has potential. Get a new cook and friendlier staff. Will we be back, NEVER!